Top pick: #5 (ONDINE) (7-5) - Filly is the probable favorite and could give rider Raf Bejarano his 3,000 win in today's opener. One of two entered by trainer Bob Baffert, and she tries winners for the first time following an impressive maiden win at Santa Anita at this distanvce on April 12th. Well-bred, lightly raced, and still improving, she finished second on a similar surface at Del mar when debuting in late August.
2nd pick: #4 (Black Witch) (5-2) - The second of the Baffert pair, she tired badly last out in the (G1) Santa Anita Oaks and should find this field much more to her liking. Working fine since that April 6th contest and this $400K 2-year-old purchase has run well here in the past.
3rd pick: #1 (Catrageous) (3-1) - Competitive sort (8-1-4-1) is 5-1-3-0 on synthetic surfaces and brings a strong closing kick to this small party. She breaks from the ground saving rail, and the quicker the pace, the better her prospects.